Network: CTV Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1970
Broadcast Medium: Television
Although this was only a short summer series, it was a landmark. Andy Williams’ production company had had a deal with NBC to provide Andy’s summer 1970 replacement series, and Canadian producers Alan Blye and Chris Beard worked through their friend, CTV Network President Murray Chercover, to have the one-hour Ray Stevens Show produced in Canada. Stevens had had several hit novelty records – Ahab the Arab, Gitarzan and Harry The Hairy Ape among them. He added a new hit with the show’s theme song, Everything Is Beautiful, sung by a children’s chorus as the opening titles were revealed as a fence was painted blue and chromakey did the rest.
British singer Lulu, American comedian Steve Martin and former Mamas and Papas singer Cass Elliott were among the regulars, along with the comedy talents of Canadians Billy Van and Carol Robinson. Jimmy Dale led the all-Canadian orchestra, and Doug Riley’s Dr. Music vocal group was also much in evidence.
Produced at CTV’s Toronto affiliate CFTO, the Ray Stevens Show debuted on Friday June 20th 1970 on CTV and NBC, and ran through to August 8th.
Written by Pip Wedge – July, 2002